30 of the Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the UK

There’s nothing quite like heading out on an adventure with your four-legged best friend. Whether you’re planning a full-on holiday, a cheeky long weekend, or just a spontaneous day trip, we know that being able to bring your dog along makes everything better. And for many dogs, one of their favourite things to do is visit a dog-friendly beach.

Is there anything better than watching them take part in full-speed zoomies across the sand? Or watching them do their best attempt at doggy paddle in the sea? Even just having the space to throw a tennis ball as hard as possible, letting them sniff every seaweed-covered rock and make some new furry friends, makes visiting dog-friendly beaches totally worth it.

But unfortunately, unlike us humans who can wander onto most beaches without a second thought, it’s not always that simple for our pups. Many beaches in the UK have dog restrictions, especially during the busier months, and often for good reason like protecting wildlife.

That’s why it’s super handy to know exactly where to find a dog friendly beach before you set off. Whether you’re staying local or venturing further afield, we’ve rounded up 30 of the best dog friendly beaches in the UK so you and your pup can make the most of the coast!

Before you grab the towels and tennis balls, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your trip to a dog friendly beach is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Check the rules before you go

Even if a beach is listed as dog-friendly, it’s always worth double-checking online before you set off. Some beaches have seasonal restrictions, often during peak summer months, and others may have specific rules like dogs needing to stay on leads in certain areas. It's no fun turning up ready for sandy zoomies only to find a surprise “no dogs allowed” sign.

Lead or off-lead?

If your dog’s going to be off the lead, make sure their recall is on point. There’s nothing like the smell of a stranger’s sausage roll to distract even the most well-behaved pup and we know not everyone loves an unexpected slobbery greeting mid-picnic (as hard as that is to believe).

For those who aren’t quite recall-ready, long dog leads are a great way to give them a bit more freedom while staying safe. The Zee.Dog Long Leash is perfect for this, still giving you full control while also letting your dog enjoy a little more freedom than normal. Pair that with a high-quality harness and you’re good to go!

Get the car ready

It’s probably not your first thought, but after your pup has run wild across the beach, covering their coat in sand and seawater, you might have to put them into the car after. If so, it’s a good idea to have some dog car seat covers at the ready, so after your trip away, you don’t have to spend too long hoovering up every tiny grain of sand!

Keep them hydrated

Running wild on the beach is thirsty work so always bring fresh water and a bowl for your pup. Our collapsible water bowls and travel bottles are super handy and take up barely any space in your bag.

Be a responsible beachgoer

Nobody wants to step on a surprise while barefoot on a dog-friendly beach, so don’t forget those all-important dog poo bags. Keeping beaches clean means more of them stay dog-friendly for the long run.

Pack the toys!

And finally, dog-friendly beaches are the perfect place to test out new toys. Whether it’s a classic tennis ball, the Chuckit Ball Launcher (Milo’s personal favourite) or the amazing Hive Disc (frisbee by day, lick mat by night), you’ve got all the space you need to play, splash, and make unforgettable memories together.

Now that you're all prepped for a beach day with your pup, it's time to find the perfect spot to dip those paws in the sea. From wide open sands perfect for a game of fetch to quieter coves ideal for a peaceful paddle, we've rounded up 30 of the very best dog friendly beaches in the UK.

Woolacombe Beach, Devon

Woolacombe is a vast, golden stretch of sand perfect for zoomies and paddling. This dog friendly beach welcomes pups year-round, though there are a few seasonal rules to follow. From Good Friday to 30th September, dogs must be on leads in some sections, and a small area is off-limits so keep an eye out for signage.

Weymouth Beach, Dorset

This classic seaside spot offers a designated dog friendly beach area year-round at the Pavilion end and along Preston Beach. From October to the end of April, dogs can roam the main beach freely, just keep them under control and always carry a lead.

Porthmeor Beach, Cornwall

Set against the arty backdrop of St Ives, Porthmeor is a stunning beach with seasonal dog restrictions. From May 15th to September 30th, between 10am and 6pm, dogs need to take a break but outside those hours, they’re welcome to enjoy this dog friendly beach with its soft sand and salty breeze.

Harbour Cove, Cornwall

Peaceful, scenic, and backed by dunes, Harbour Cove is a true gem near Padstow. This dog friendly beach allows dogs all year round and rarely gets crowded. There's no lifeguard or nearby facilities, so pack wisely including water and waste bags and get ready for a proper off-the-beaten-path beach adventure with your pup.

Fistral Beach, Cornwall

Famous for surfing, Fistral is also a favourite dog friendly beach. Open to dogs all year round, there's loads of room for running wild, especially at low tide. A nice bonus is that there are several dog-friendly cafes nearby and a clifftop walk for scenic cooldowns and sandy paw-drying strolls.

Brean Beach, Somerset

Brean Beach offers miles of sandy stretches and a rugged cliffside to explore, making it a dreamy day out for adventurous pups. Dogs are welcome all year, and they can run off-lead on the beach, just stay mindful of sinking mud and fast-moving tides along the Bristol Channel. On Brean Down itself, dogs must stay on short leads to avoid cliff edges and protect ground-nesting birds especially March to July.

Rhossili Bay Beach, Wales

Often ranked among the world’s best dog-friendly beaches, Rhossili Bay is a vast, three-mile stretch of golden sand that is open to dogs all year round. It’s ideal for beach games, coastal hikes, or a splash in the waves. Adventurous types can cross to Worm’s Head at low tide or explore the remains of the Helvetia shipwreck.

Barmouth, Wales

Classic seaside charm meets adventure at Barmouth. With arcades, candy floss and miles of soft sand, it’s as fun for dogs as it is for humans. There's a small section of the beach that has a seasonal dog ban from April to September, but most of the beach remains open for zoomies year-round. When there’s low tide, you can walk for miles, to Harlech or Fairbourne and even catch a dog-friendly ferry back!

Monkstone Beach, Wales

Tucked between Tenby and Saundersfoot, Monkstone Beach is a hidden gem for those who like their dog-friendly beaches peaceful. Surrounded by steep cliffs, it's wonderfully sheltered and perfect for a quiet dog walk or paddle. The 151 steps down keep the crowds away, so expect a more private beach day. But keep in mind that with privacy comes limited facilities, so there are no lifeguards or toilets close by.

Freshwater West, Wales

Dunes, drama, and doggy dreams await at Freshwater West. Backed by grassy dunes and blessed with golden sand, this wild Pembrokeshire spot is perfect for ball-chasers and beachcombers alike. Dogs are welcome off-lead all year round, and there’s heaps of space to dig, sniff, and run free. It’s also a movie star featured in Harry Potter and Robin Hood!

Luskentyre, Isle of Harris

Luskentyre is a dog-friendly beach that feels like a dream with its turquoise waters, endless white sands, and a backdrop of mountains that feels more Caribbean than Scottish. Tucked on the Isle of Harris, this peaceful paradise is a breathtakingly beautiful dog friendly beach with no restrictions, so pups can roam free in every direction. It stretches nearly 4 miles, offering more than enough space for off-lead walks and enriching sniffs.

West Wittering, West Sussex

West Wittering offers sandy expanses and colourful beach huts in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dogs are restricted in central areas from May to September but welcome year-round elsewhere. Thankfully there’s plenty of clear signage to make sure you’re in the right place!

Camber Sands, East Sussex

Camber Sands boasts golden dunes and wide open beaches which is rare for Sussex. Dogs are restricted in central areas from May to September but welcome at both ends all year round. It's a top dog-friendly beach for walking, especially outside peak season.

Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex

Nestled beneath the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs, Cuckmere Haven offers breathtaking views and quiet dog-friendly pebble shores. Dogs can roam freely across the beach all year round and inland along the Cuckmere River. It has beautiful coastal scenery and open parkland making it a peaceful escape for both dogs and their humans.

Kingsgate Bay, Kent

Kingsgate Bay is a quiet, sandy dog-friendly beach surrounded by dramatic white cliffs and famous sea caves. Dogs are welcome year-round, making it a favourite for beach walks and cliffside adventures. The nearby Captain Digby pub adds convenience, with family-friendly facilities and great views over this picturesque, lesser-known bay.

Milford on Sea, Hampshire

Milford on Sea offers shingle beaches, charming huts, and uninterrupted views of the Isle of Wight. Dogs are welcome all year on most parts, with some seasonal restrictions clearly marked. A lovely coastal path leads to Hurst Castle which is definitely worth visiting with your furry companion as the entire site is open to them!

Yaverland Beach, Isle of Wight

Yaverland Beach is another dog-friendly beach with vast sands at low tide and clear waters backed by cliffs. Dogs are allowed year-round between the sailing club and Culver Down. It’s quieter than nearby resorts, with swimming zones, watersports, and plenty of space for off-lead adventures in designated areas.

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Holkham Beach is the ultimate dog-friendly beach escape, with miles of sandy space and no year-round bans. From April to August, leads are required in vulnerable areas, but there's still tons of freedom to sniff and roam. It’s a paradise for dogs and their humans alike.

Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire

Sutton-on-Sea is a charming, low-key seaside spot perfect for pups and their people. It’s a lovely, relaxed dog-friendly beach ideal for sandy paws, paddling, and a peaceful stroll.  Between 1st May to 30th September, only a short section around the village centre is restricted.

Walberswick Beach, Suffolk

Walberswick is a coastal gem with dunes to dash through and a beach dogs can enjoy all year round. A firm favourite for crabbing, kite-flying and tail-wagging walks, this dog-friendly beach is close to cafés, a dog-welcoming pub, and endless adventures.

Bridlington South Beach, Yorkshire

If your pup loves long beach walks, Bridlington South is a dream. This wide, sandy stretch becomes a dog-friendly beach paradise the further south you go. While there are summer restrictions near the harbour, peace and pawprints await beyond the bustle.

Runswick Bay, Yorkshire

Runswick Bay is the kind of dog-friendly beach your four-legged pal will never want to leave. There are no restrictions, no fuss, just a beautiful bay backed by pretty cottages and car-free streets. Come for the views, stay for the freedom, and don’t forget to explore the rockpools and coastal trails.

Whitby Beach, Yorkshire

Whitby offers the best of both worlds: West Cliff has seasonal dog rules, but Tate Hill and parts of West Cliff are dog-friendly beaches year-round. So you and your pup can enjoy sand, sea and sniffing with the iconic town as your backdrop. Just don’t forget to grab some delicious fish and chips before you leave.

Sandsend Beach, Yorkshire

Sandsend is one of my go-to dog-friendly beaches with my pup, Milo. Quieter than nearby Whitby, with parking close by, it’s perfect for a fetch session or fossil hunt. Dogs are allowed year-round on part of the beach, and there’s even a café for post-walk snacks and snoozes.

Formby Beach, Lancashire

Another dog-friendly beach is Formby Beach with sand dunes to explore, sea to splash in, and woodland trails nearby. While leads are needed in squirrel zones, there’s plenty of off-lead fun elsewhere. It’s scenic, spacious, and ideal for a full day of adventures.

Warkworth Beach, Northumberland

Warkworth Beach is a hidden gem with sweeping sands, surf school vibes, and no dog restrictions, so yep, another fully dog-friendly beach. Whether you're strolling from the village or parking near the golf club, it’s a brilliant spot for seaside zoomies. The village pub and castle welcome wagging tails too.

Alnmouth Beach, Northumberland

One of the friendliest seasides for pups, Alnmouth Beach is gloriously sandy and a proper dog-friendly beach with no restrictions. Expect tail wags, gravy bones from the sweet shop, and warm welcomes at every café and pub. Even the post office is pup-approved!

Seaham Beach, County Durham

Seaham Beach is a dog-friendly beach where you can stroll for treasures, sniff the breeze, and stop for chips along the promenade. With history, space to roam, and year-round access, it’s perfect for beachcombers, both two and four-legged.

Drigg Beach, Cumbria

Tucked away near the Lake District, Drigg Beach is a wild, windswept, dog-friendly beach that feels like your own private coastline. There are rarely any crowds, no restrictions and just endless sand and sea for your pup to chase waves and live their best off-lead life.

 Lunan Bay, Tayside

Lastly, Lunan Bay is a jaw-droppingly beautiful, mile-long dog-friendly beach where your pup can run wild, dig in the dunes, or sniff around castle ruins. With dramatic cliffs, a secret cave, and gemstone hunting on the side, it’s a dream coastal day out for dogs and their adventure-loving humans.

There’s something seriously special about a beach day with your dog. From watching them chase waves and leap through the surf, to seeing their tails go full speed with every new smell, sound and friend they meet, beach trips are full of joy, freedom, and unforgettable moments.

And here at WOOOF, we’ve got everything you need to make your trip safe and paw-fect! From extra-long leads for sandy zoomies to comfy harnesses, sturdy poo bags, collapsible bowls, tasty treats, and more balls and frisbees than you can shake a stick at, we’ve got you covered.

All information sourced from UK Beach Guide

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